The State of the Serie A: Why Juve must bolster their attack and defense

Recording a 6th consecutive and 33rd league title overall, the Old Lady’s dominance is looking hard to prevent.

With Miralem Pjanic providing nine assists, not to mention his contribution to countless magnificent slick moves, and Gonzalo Higuain registering twenty-four goals, Juventus won the league by four points.

Roma who gave the eventual winners a good run for their money, conceded eleven more than the Turin based side.

Bonucci

The loss of Bonucci could prove telling, and Juve should look to add a proven centre back or two.

Giorgio Chiellini’s world class experience is still an integral part of the team, but has gradually been making fewer league appearances and as he gets older and his body starts to deteriorate, the amount he features will only decrease.

In both full back positions Juve are especially well equipped in having highly competent defenders with the addition of De Sciglio and the prominently featured Sandro, but essentially they possess well rounded attack minded players who can effectively stretch teams and play in a variety of counter attacking systems.

Costa

It will be intriguing to see how Douglas Costa adapts to Serie A, and whether he can provide a close link with Higuain.

A loan deal allows the club to minimise the risk of overspending on a player who hasn’t exactly set the world alight at this level, but has the experience and the hunger to succeed at the top.

Time is still very much on his side and it’s uncertain how he will fare, but given the chance he could well prove to be a big hit at what is now the Allianz Stadium.

Allegri and Europe

Massimiliano Allegri has enjoyed a highly successful few years in Turin, so there isn’t really much to be sceptical about in comparison with other managers, words I’m sure could come back to bite if there’s a sluggish start to the campaign.

Clubs are sniffing around Juve’s players because they are playing to such a high level on a consistent basis, so naturally that is the price of success.

The questions for Allegri are how he will seek to push the side on in Europe, and further cementing his legacy at the club. In truth, they were outclassed by Madrid in Cardiff and that will have hurt the manager of the size of a club like Juventus.

Complacency shouldn’t be a problem, but new ideas are needed for higher quality in forward areas.